The Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) said that it is closely monitoring the escalating social unrest across Mauritius. The global union extends its unwavering solidarity to its trade union affiliates, workers, and communities in Mauritius during this crisis.

"The struggle of Mauritian workers for essential public services, fair wages, and basic human dignity is a struggle shared by workers everywhere. We stand firmly with our affiliates and the working families of Mauritius during this crisis, demanding that their voices be heard and their fundamental rights protected without fear of repression,” BWI General Secretary Ambet Yuson said.

BWI explained that the current unrest reflects deep-seated socioeconomic challenges that working-class families have faced for months. Demonstrations triggered by severe nationwide water shortages, rising inflation, and the soaring cost of basic living necessities have expanded across several regions. It said that the situation worsened following a tragic police shooting involving a young worker, which ignited widespread public outcry and led to localised security measures and curfews.

Some of the issues raised by the crisis include access to clean, reliable water, affordable living conditions, and safe working environments, which are fundamental social rights. BWI affiliates said that working families cannot be expected to absorb the shock of failing public infrastructure alongside rapid economic inflation. When essential public services fall short, and living costs outpace household wages, social instability inevitably follows.

BWI said that its stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the Mauritian trade union movement and working people as they defend their rights and livelihoods. We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of all workers and communities who have suffered hardship, injury, or loss during these distressing events. "Workers cannot be made to pay the price for systemic economic pressures or environmental stress. Access to basic utilities, fair wages, and the right to peaceful assembly without fear of violence are fundamental. The trade union movement calls for immediate de-escalation, meaningful social dialogue, and genuine social justice for the people of Mauritius,” said Reeaz Chutto of the CMWEU.

In solidarity with local trade union partners and civil society, BWI urged the government of Mauritius and relevant authorities to take urgent action across four key priorities, which include de-escalation and transparency, the protection of fundamental rights, immediate Infrastructure and economic Relief, and bona fide tripartite social dialogue.